Mediafly Cares Update: Giving Back in 2019

At Mediafly, we are proud that many of our colleagues (affectionately known as “Flyers”) spend time outside of work volunteering in their local communities. To build upon these efforts, we launched Mediafly Cares, an employee-led philanthropy dedicated to improving the world around us, in 2018.

Using Flyers’ feedback to shape our mission, Mediafly Cares initiatives are focused on three main pillars: technology and education, community well-being, and animal welfare. In our inaugural year, Flyers across the country donated their time and money to causes including Paws Chicago, the Ronald McDonald House, and Operation Gratitude. We feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to partner with these wonderful organizations.

In 2019, we’ve set our sights on making an even greater impact in Chicago and beyond. Check out what we have been up to!

Assembling Hygiene Kits for the Lakeview Pantry

Founded in 1970, The Lakeview Pantry operates one of Chicago’s oldest and largest food pantries, delivering over 1.6 million pounds of food and supplies annually to 8,000+ clients in the greater Chicagoland area. Their mission is “to eliminate hunger and poverty in our community by providing food to fill the basic need of hungry people; increasing the independence of our clients through self-help initiatives and other innovative programs; and raising awareness of hunger and poverty and working towards solutions to eliminate them.”

To kick off our annual holiday party held at our Chicago headquarters in January, Flyers from across the organization assembled kits containing essential items like bars of soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes, hand sanitizer bottles, and more. Together, we produced nearly one hundred hygiene kits that the Lakeview Pantry distributed to those in need.

We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate the success of 2018, than by working together to give back to our amazing community.

Exercising for a Good Cause at the Paws Chicago 5K Run/Walk

Paws Chicago is a no-kill animal rescue organization whose mission is to end the overpopulation of homeless animals in our community. In 2018, Paws Chicago facilitated 5,591 animal adoptions, 16,750 spay/neuter surgeries, and 3,325 foster care placements in Chicago. In fact, many Flyers have found their own four-legged family members thanks to Paws!

The Paws 5K Run/Walk, held each year at Montrose Harbor on the shores of Lake Michigan, is Chicago’s largest dog-friendly event, with over 6,000 human and 3,000 canine participants. On June 2nd, 2019 the Mediafly team assembled once again to exercise for a great cause – we were even joined by a few furry Flyers!

Through our fundraising efforts, Mediafly Cares has now raised nearly $900 for Paws. Proceeds from the event ensure that Paws Chicago is able to continue to rescue and provide medical care for homeless animals and educate our community on responsible pet ownership.

Collecting Pop Tabs for the Ronald McDonald House Charities

Did you know that the little pull tabs found on your favorite can of soda (or for most of us in the office, La Croix) contain more aluminum than the can itself? Throughout the year, we collect these pop tabs at Mediafly HQ (and at home) and periodically deliver them to the Ronald McDonald House Charities – Chicagoland and Northern Indiana (RMHC-CNI).

The RMHC-CNI partners with United Scrap Metal to recycle the pop tabs. They receive the market value of the recycled metal, plus an additional charitable contribution. This helps the Ronald McDonald House to offset the costs of providing lodging and meals to families of sick children at their five Chicago-area locations. Their efforts save these families over $10 million annually while keeping the families together and focused on the health and well-being of their children.

As avid La Croix and Pepsi drinkers, this is a small action that every Flyer can take to make a big impact on our community!

Back to School with Operation Backpack

On August 14th, Flyers from across the globe are heading to Chicago for baseball, team bonding, and backpacks! Throughout the summer months, we’ll be collecting school supplies and backpacks to support Operation Backpack. Before we head to a White Sox game to enjoy America’s favorite pastime, we’ll meet as a group to assemble the backpacks according to Operation Backpack’s grade-level guidelines.

In 2018, Operation Backpack “distributed over 2,000 backpacks to children in Chicago Public Schools in low-income neighborhoods, along with children of the Veterans that we serve and children in our child welfare services.”

We’ll be equipping students entering Kindergarten through 12th grade for a successful school year by donating notebooks, pencils, backpacks, and more.

2019 and Beyond

As the Flyer family continues to grow, we’re excited to elevate the Mediafly Cares platform. Stay tuned for more updates!